The Family Advisory Council

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council is a hospital committee that was initiated in 1998.  The council is a key component of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s institution-wide effort to provide family centered care and improve customer service.  The Family Advisory Council acts as an advisory committee to ensure that the needs of children and families are met by providing a vehicle of communication for cooperative efforts between the families and the entire staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide a vital link between Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the community.
• Provide input and feedback on delivery of services for children and their families.
• Provide input regarding program development.
• Assist in promoting good relationships between Nationwide Children’s Hospital and members of the community.
• Promote understanding of the services and policies of Nationwide Children’s Hospital among parent groups and parents or guardians of patients.
• Review issues and concerns referred to the Family Advisory Council and provide recommendations to the hospital.
• Educate families in health care issues.
• Educate staff in family care issues.
• Advocate in the community for policies and programs to promote children’s health.
• Assist in the planning of new facilities and services as requested by Nationwide Children’s Hospital administration.

Membership

Council members include family members who have had (or may potentially have) experiences with any of Nationwide Children's Hospital services or programs.  Members may be parents, grandparents, or guardians of a child who has (in most cases) used services of Nationwide Children's within recent years.  Members may also be teen (minimum age 16 years) and adults who have received services from Nationwide Children's in recent years.  Family members with varied backgrounds and health care experiences are involved.  The Council also includes hospital administrators as well as selected staff members.  Council members must have the ability to serve, which includes the ability to attend regular meetings (typically scheduled in January, March, May, September, and November), serve on committees, and participate in occasional special projects.  Family and staff members will normally be appointed for a two-year term.